With Freedom in Our Ears: Histories of Jewish Anarchism

A new book, "With Freedom in Our Ears: The First Collaborative History of International, Multilingual, and Transdisciplinary Jewish Anarchism," edited by Anna Elena Torres and Kenyon Zimmer, highlights the presence and persistence of Jewish anarchism, which has been marginalized in histories of anarchist thought and action. The contributors reveal an ongoing engagement with non-Jewish radical cultures and invent new anarchist forms that range from mystical individualism to militantly atheist revolutionary cells.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 284 pages
Publication date: 02 May 2023
Publisher: University of Illinois Press

For centuries, Jewish anarchism has been relegated to the periphery of anarchist thought and activism. However, in recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the significance of this overlooked tradition. Anna Elena Torres and Kenyon Zimmer have edited a collection of essays that aim to reclaim and highlight the rich tapestry of Jewish anarchism.

Contributors to this collection shed light on the enduring presence and influence of Jewish anarchism across various fields, including radical labor, women's studies, political theory, multilingual literature, and ethnic studies. These essays reveal an ongoing engagement with non-Jewish radical cultures, including the translation practices of the Jewish anarchist press.

Jewish anarchists drew from a diverse array of secular, cultural, and religious sources, resulting in the creation of novel anarchist forms that spanned from mystical individualism to militantly atheist revolutionary cells. "With Freedom in Our Ears" is a groundbreaking collaborative history that brings together over a dozen scholars and translators to document the first comprehensive account of international, multilingual, and transdisciplinary Jewish anarchism.

This book offers a comprehensive exploration of the diverse voices, experiences, and contributions of Jewish anarchists from around the world. It uncovers the historical roots of Jewish anarchism, its influence on other radical movements, and its unique contributions to anarchist thought and practice.

Through a series of essays, the book explores the themes of anti-authoritarianism, social justice, gender equality, and environmentalism, which were central to Jewish anarchist thought. It also delves into the challenges faced by Jewish anarchists, including persecution, discrimination, and the struggle for cultural and political recognition.

One of the key strengths of "With Freedom in Our Ears" is its commitment to multilingualism and transdisciplinarity. The book includes contributions from scholars and translators from diverse backgrounds, reflecting the international nature of Jewish anarchism. This approach allows for a richer understanding of the complexities and nuances of Jewish anarchist thought and its connections to other radical movements and cultural traditions.

In conclusion, Jewish anarchism has long been marginalized in histories of anarchist thought and action. However, the work of Anna Elena Torres and Kenyon Zimmer, as well as the contributions of the scholars and translators featured in "With Freedom in Our Ears," has helped to reclaim and highlight this overlooked tradition. This book offers a valuable contribution to the field of anarchist studies and provides a deeper understanding of the rich and diverse history of radicalism.

Weight: 466g
Dimension: 155 x 235 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780252087141